When your child needs to start wearing glasses, it can be challenging. A few symptoms may indicate your child may need to start wearing glasses. If you notice these signs, you must bring them to your pediatrician's attention for further evaluation.
One of the most common problems adults experience is difficulty reading. For children, this can often lead to various issues, such as poor concentration and attention in school.
If your child is displaying any of the following symptoms, it may be time for them to start wearing glasses: They are having trouble reading text or menus. They need help with reading signs or street names. They need help understanding directions. They have lost their focus while reading. If you’re unsure if your child needs glasses, it’s best to consult with a doctor. However, if you think they might benefit from starting to wear glasses early on, there are a few things you can do to help them get started.
How to Determine if Your Child Needs Glasses
If your child complains of headaches, double vision, or other eye problems, he may need glasses. Here are some tips to help you determine if your child needs glasses:
- Ask your child how he feels and if his eyes feel dry, itchy, or sore.
- Check your child's vision with a ruler or a standard eye chart. If your child has difficulty reading small print or if there is any blurriness in his vision, he may need glasses.
- Take your child for an eye exam at an eyeglasses store. The optometrist will check to see if your child needs new glasses and may also prescribe a treatment plan for any underlying eye problems.
- If your child is between ages 6 and 18, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that he receive a screening check-up every two years. During these visits, the optometrist will check to see if your child needs glasses and may also recommend other eye health treatments, such as ophthalmic antibiotics or artificial tears.
- If your child is older than 18, he can self-manage his vision by getting a yearly eye exam and prescribing glasses if needed.
- If your child's vision changes over time or develops new eye problems, he should see an optometrist for an evaluation.
If your child is between ages 6 and 18, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that he receive a screening check-up every two years. During these visits, the optometrist will check to see if your child needs glasses and may also recommend other eye health treatments, such as ophthalmic antibiotics or artificial tears.
Why Get Your Child Glasses?
If you're noticing some things about your child that make them look or feel like they need glasses, it's time to assess the situation and get them fitted for glasses. Here are some signs your child may need glasses:
-They have difficulty seeing close up or at a distance.
-They have trouble reading or doing other tasks that require close vision.
-They have a hard time seeing in bright light.
-Their eyesight has changed since they were last measured.
-They have trouble wearing contact lenses or glasses.
-Their parents wear glasses.
Types of Glasses Prescription Glasses For Kids
There are three prescription glasses for kids: bifocal, trifocal, and progressive lenses.
Bifocals are the most common type of prescription glasses for children. A bifocal lens is split into two parts, each providing a different focus distance. This is great for kids who read the fine print or need to wear their glasses for various activities at different lengths.
Trifocals divide the lens into three parts, providing a slightly more comprehensive range of viewing distances than a bifocal.
Progressive lenses are the most vital type of prescription glass and offer the broadest range of focus from near to far. They're perfect for young kids who are just starting to grow their vision and need glasses that will last through the process.
All three types of prescription glasses for kids will help your child see better and stay safe on the roads.
How To Get Your Child Started on a Glasses-wearing Routine
If your child insists on wearing glasses, gradually introduce them to the idea. Explain that they help you see better and encourage your child to wear their glasses whenever possible. If your child is having trouble adjusting to wearing glasses, try a few different frames until they find ones that feel comfortable. It can be helpful to have a pair of glasses for yourself, so you can model how to wear them correctly. If your child's vision changes or develops new eyestrain symptoms while wearing their glasses, it may be time for a new prescription.
Conclusion
If you're ever worried that your child may need glasses, there are a few things to look for. One of the first signs is if your child starts seeing double or has difficulty seeing in bright light or at close range.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it's best to schedule an eye exam with a doctor as soon as possible. Additionally, kids who wear glasses often have a near-normal vision in the center of their field of view and slightly poorer ideas on either side. If your child loses points from their eyesight test score gradually over time, it might be worth getting them fitted for glasses.